Summary

Abby, a professor from Connecticut, reluctantly attends a professional conference in Iowa City at the strong recommendation of her college. Despite not enjoying travel, she meets former students and has a pleasant yet uneventful time. However, Abby urgently needs to return home for an important appointment.

Unfortunately, a massive storm system disrupts flights, leaving Abby and hundreds of others stranded at the Detroit airport. Rerouted flights and airport blockages force Abby to stay at a local Sheraton hotel and spend days waiting at the airport for a flight. During this time, Abby reluctantly befriends the bus driver of the airport shuttle, even though she prefers solitude. Abby acknowledges that her kind face attracts people who often share unsolicited stories.

Throughout her stay, Abby keeps in constant communication with her wife, Martine, and their young daughter, Dido. Martine struggles...